Some of the heaviness left his legs as he struggled toward her, and his bullet-torn shoulder and gashed hands no longer seemed to pain so acutely.
But what was that darker shadow beside her? His gun came up again.
"Who's there?" he demanded. The water that was only chest deep on him was neck deep on her, but he could see that she was supporting her companion.
"It's Merlo," she panted.
Nick's lips drew back in a snarl.
"No, Nick! Don't!" she gasped.
The Martian gained a footing and stood motionless, his head bowed. Nick noticed that one long arm was holding a small package carefully above water.
"Don't kill him!" Sue urged again. "He saved me once tonight."
Doubtfully Nick lowered his gun.